The Murray Cod season will come to a close this weekend, but anglers will still be able to throw a line in for their favourite fish at specified locations which remain open all year round.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Senior Fisheries Manager – Inland, Cameron Westaway, said the Murray Cod season will close on Tuesday 1 September to protect the iconic sportsfish species during its annual breeding season.
“The closed season for Murray Cod is between September and November inclusive to ensure natural recruitment and to protect this important species during its breeding season,” Mr Westaway said.
“Murray Cod are a prized catch in the Murray-Darling system. They’re Australia’s largest freshwater fish, growing up to 1.8 metres in length and weighing more than 100 kilograms.
“While most waterways will be closed for fishing for Murray Cod, Blowering Dam in Southern NSW, as well as Copeton Dam in northern NSW are open for Murray Cod fishing year round.
“There is very little natural fish recruitment of Murray Cod in Blowering and Copeton Dams, which rely on stocked fish to sustain the fishery.
“The decision to allow cod fishing to continue in these dams means an increased economic and social benefit to these communities, which derive income from fishing-related expenditure.”
NSW fishing regulations for Murray Cod remain at Blowering and Copeton Dams, with the bag limit being two fish per person, and a size limit between 55cm and 75cm.
“It’s important that anglers respect the cod closure and all recreational fishing limits to ensure sustainable stocks of all fish species,” Mr Westaway said.
The Murray Crayfish season is also drawing to a close from 1 September, with all NSW waters closed to fishing for Murray Crayfish.
“This is the ending of the annual southern NSW season,” Mr Westaway said.
“The Murray Crayfish fishery in NSW is closed all year as they are a vulnerable species, except in specified waters of the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers during June, July and August.
“In addition, the taking of berried females and the removal of heads, tails or claws of Murray Crayfish, in, on or adjacent to waters, is prohibited. They must be returned to the water immediately without harm.
“NSW recreational freshwater fishing laws are designed to protect, conserve and improve our fisheries resources for future generations.”
